Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is seeking to divert attention from a certain viral video that leaked this week by directing your attention to ... another viral video that leaked this week. Give it up for the Internet!

"The president's view is one of larger government, there's a tape that came out today where the president's saying he likes redistribution," he told Fox News.

"I disagree. I think a society based upon a nation where government plays a larger and larger role, redistributes money, that's the wrong course for America."

The audio file was first posted on The Drudge Report, a conservative site run by Matt Drudge, a close friend of Romney campaign manager Matt Rhoades.

Romney used the audio to try and paint Obama as the head of a government taking "from some" to "give to the others," an "entirely foreign concept."

"I know there's a divide in the country," Romney continued. "I know that some believe that government should take from some and give to the others. I think the president makes it clear in the tape that was released today that that's what he believes."

Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt fired back:

"The Romney campaign is so desperate to change the subject that they've gone back to the failed playbook co-authored by Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber."

"Fourteen years ago, then-Senator Obama was making an argument for a more efficient, more effective government - specifically citing city government agencies that he didn't believe were working effectively."

"He believed then, and believes now, that there are steps we can take to promote opportunity and ensure that all Americans have a fair shot if they work hard."

"Unlike Governor Romney, President Obama doesn't believe that if you're a student who applies for a loan you're looking for a handout."

Romney stood by the comments in the leaked video, and it appears Obama is doing the same (subtly noting that his was from 1998, not 2012).

It remains to be seen whether either is any sort of game changer in a tight, contentious election certain to go down to the wire November 6.

Follow Mitt Romney?

@Harley You speak the truth! As we say in the South, "I just don't "cotton" to a man who's a Communist! Who wants to take our money and distribute it like a deranged Robin Hood!" Gotta get to the polls and vote this jerk out so that we can shut up the Linda Sterlings of the World...drunk from the Kool-aid Baracky keeps pouring into their glass! Never seen folks intoxicated from Socialism before--what a disgusting sight it is, too!

Norm•September 20, 2012 12:44

Yeah- and the fight looks likes it is working! You and your broke ass entitlements! Haha! Get a job you freeloaders.

Ben•September 20, 2012 12:05

Setting up a fund for all you conservaturds who want to leave the country after Obama gets reelected. Start a nice entitlement program for you. We know you gonna fight him every step of the way. Remember that's what you did this time and he still got his agenda through. Hahaha you can't keep a good man down

Harley•September 20, 2012 11:26

Quit reading Newspaper clippings and look around you! The Middle East is screaming WE HATE AMERICA and this bastard is talking to letterman. You are invested in Obama because the both of you are black! That is the ONLY REASON! 47 million on food stamps! Paid for by tax payers! 23 million out of work and the only reason you want him in office is because he is black! WE ALL KNOW THIS IS THE TRUTH! Obama has divided us and only a fool would think its not going to get worse! If Obama wins we will not support any program of his because we see him as a communist who wants to distribute (steal) our wages.

Ben•September 20, 2012 11:16

it's so obvious how THG only posts derragatory videos of the republicans pointing crap against obama. Seriously, how obvious are you morons?!

Linda Sterling•September 20, 2012 11:14

Make no mistake Pres Obama is helping all of us. He instituted Wall St reform so the home/mortgage crisis that almost destroyed our country can't happen again. He extended unemployment benefits for jobless Americans. He extended the tax reduction for those who are working. He removed broker banks out of the student loan industry-reducing high interest rates. Ins co's can no longer deny coverage for preexisting conditions or discontinue coverage because your illness costs too much. This Pres has done a great deal for the American people. OBAMA/BIDEN 2012!!

Terry•September 20, 2012 10:35

If your hero is Obama then why isn't Obama helping you? Why is Obama partying with jay Z. It seems as though you people actually think that if you keep pushing and keep calling people a racist that somehow your argument will give you the leverage you need. We the people - who are lucky enough to still have a job have been playing by the rules for decades. If you somehow think that a person like Biden/ Obama is going to guilt the 50% of us who pay income tax into believing that we owe the other 50% and in return take from us to give to you then you are insane! We will fight this all the way and never stop. Your own selfish mindset has been matched with Obamas dictatorship and now you are stupid beyond beleif. We will not accept this no matter who is president! You will not win even if he gets a 2nd. We are also in it- FOR THE LONG HAUL! You will not take what we earned! Now- got get a 3 year girl to write a letter if necessary. You spineless losers!

Fabian•September 20, 2012 05:26

Tired of politics disaronnos lies along with racist jumbo.

LOL•September 20, 2012 03:26

LOL U R ONE DUMBASS.U THINK IF MITT WAS PRES. U GET FOODSTAMPS?I HOPE U STARVE FOR BEING DUMB WHEN IT COMES TO WHO U R VOTING FOR.MITT DONT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT U.

Jena•September 20, 2012 03:23

No joke jerk.We are under bunch of stress.We will vote Romney.It is the American way.Republicans for life.You are strange.